Self-cleaning hand washer

ABSTRACT

A hand washing apparatus has a hand washing bowl ( 30 ) mounted when in use at a suitable height for washing the hands. The bowl ( 30 ) and its cover are reconfigurable between a hand washing position and an inactive position. The hand washing apparatus includes controls for reconfiguring the bowl and its cover between a hand washing position and an inactive position, a dispenser ( 34 ) for dispensing water over the hands in the bowl and a dispenser ( 34 ) for dispensing soap over the hands in the bowl. Also disclosed is a method of cleaning the hands using such apparatus.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to hand washing machines and, inparticular, to a self-contained hand washing machine which may beself-cleaning between each usage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Washing of the hands is believed to be one of the firstsafeguards against spreading infection, whether in a health careinstitution, or in any other facility or location. However, thefacilities which are usually provided for hand washing are to say theleast somewhat primitive, and have scarcely changed in design sinceplumbing was first introduced. Most hand washing facilities are based ona basin, with hot and cold water taps, and a source of soap. Drying ofthe hands is at best dependent on disposable paper towels, or in manycases by hot air hand dryers.

[0003] Disposable paper towels frequently do not get rid of all of theresidue from washing. Disposal of the towels may result inrecontamination of the hands. Hot air drying of the hands uses smallappliances with fans and electrical heating coils. These appliance whenbrand new work reasonably well, simply blowing fresh air over the hands.However, after even a small amount of usage contaminated air is drawninto the hand dryer and bacteria may accumulate in the warm, moistatmosphere of the dryer. The result is that from then on the hands aredried in air which may be carrying a substantial volume of bacteria.

[0004] Even the multiple washing of the hands many times does notovercome these problems.

[0005] A further problem is that the sink or basin in which the washingwater is collected itself becomes a source of contamination after only avery few usages. Dirt and dried soap collect, and breed bacteria in thebasin itself.

[0006] The operation of the handles on the faucets is itself yet anothersource of contamination. Persons may turn the faucets on and off, forexample, after relieving themselves, when their hands are actuallycontaminated, and thereby leaving contamination on the handles of thefaucets. For all of these reasons, therefore, the use of conventionalhand washing facilities, even those in health care institutions, isunsatisfactory and unhygienic and may actually result in the spreadingof infection and bacteria, rather than the reverse.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to the instant invention, there is provided a handwashing apparatus comprising a hand washing bowl and a cover, the bowland cover being reconfigurable between a hand washing position and aninactive position in which the bowl is closed by the cover; a controllerfor reconfiguring the bowl between the hand washing position and theinactive position; and, a dispenser for dispensing water, a cleaner andrinse water over hands in the bowl.

[0008] In an alternate embodiment, the hand washing apparatus comprisesa hand washing bowl mounted at a suitable height for washing hands; acontroller for opening the bowl into a hand washing position and closingthe bowl into an inactive position; a warm water dispenser fordispensing warm water over hands in the bowl; a soap dispenser fordispensing soap over hands in the bowl; and, a rinse water dispenser fordispensing rinse water over hands in the bowl.

[0009] In a further alternate embodiment, the hand washing apparatuscomprises a hand washing bowl and a cover, the bowl and cover beingreconfigurable between a hand washing position and an inactive positionin which the bowl is closed by the cover; a dispenser for dispensingwater, a cleaner and rinse water over hands in the bowl; and, acontroller actuated without use of the hands of the user for actuatingthe reconfiguration of the bowl and the cover between the hand washingposition and the inactive position.

[0010] The bowl may be mounted at a suitable height for washing handsand is mounted for rotation about a generally horizontal axis betweenthe hand washing position and the inactive position. The bowl may be ofa generally hemispherical shape and when the bowl is in the hand washingposition, the bowl is open upwardly for access by a user and when in theinactive position, the interior of the bowl is inaccessible by a user.

[0011] The hand washing apparatus may include an air dryer forgenerating a stream of hot air flowing over the hands of a user, the airdryer being operable by the user without touching the apparatus.Preferably, the air dryer is automatically operable after completion ofa washing cycle. The hot air may be disinfected prior to flowing overthe hands of a user.

[0012] The hand washing apparatus may include a discharger fordischarging a disinfectant into the bowl when the bowl is in itsinactive position, for flowing around the interior of the bowl andrendering the same clean. Further, an air stream may be provided to drythe bowl after the bowl has been cleaned.

[0013] A collection sink may be positioned to receive the liquidcontents of the bowl when the bowl is in the inactive position.

[0014] The hand washing apparatus may include a sensor for recognizing aparticular user prior to the activation of a washing cycle. Theapparatus may have a controller that is preprogrammed with at least twodifferent washing cycles, the user selects the desired washing cycle,and the apparatus includes a recording media to record the cycle thatwas selected by the particular user.

[0015] The apparatus may have a controller that is preprogrammed with atleast two different washing cycles and the user selects the desiredwashing cycle.

[0016] The hand washing apparatus may also have a sensor for recognizinga particular user prior to the activation of a washing cycle, whereinthe recognition of a particular user actuates the controller.

[0017] The hand washing apparatus may also have a foot pedal to actuatethe controller.

[0018] According to the instant invention, there is also provided amethod for a person to wash their hands using a hand washing apparatuscomprising a hand washing bowl and a cover which are reconfigurablebetween a hand washing position and an inactive position, a controllerfor reconfiguring the bowl between the hand washing position and theinactive position; and, a dispenser for dispensing water and a cleanerover the user's hands, the method comprising the steps of actuating thecontroller to move the bowl and the cover to the hand washing position;dispensing water and soap over the user's hands; and, dispensing waterto rinse the user's hands.

[0019] The method may also include dispensing a stream of hot air overthe hands of a user.

[0020] The method may also include dispensing a disinfectant into thebowl when the bowl is in its inactive position, for flowing around theinterior of the bowl and rendering the same clean. Further, the methodmay include dispensing an air stream to dry the bowl after the bowl hasbeen cleaned.

[0021] The apparatus may also have a controller that is preprogrammedwith at least two different washing cycles and the method may includeselecting the desired washing cycle whereupon the various fluids arethereafter automatically dispensed.

[0022] The apparatus may also have a sensor for recognizing a particularuser and the method may further comprise the step of using a card toidentify the user to the apparatus prior to the activation of a washingcycle. Further, the user may present an identity card to the sensor toactivate the apparatus.

[0023] One advantage of the instant invention is that it provides a handwashing facility in which the hands of the user need not touch thebasin, taps or soap dispenser. The water may be mixed to the correcttemperature automatically so that the taps do not have be manuallyoperated. Accordingly, the cycle of operations may be controlled byautomatic controls and timers so that no input is required from theuser.

[0024] A further advantage of the instant invention is that in theinactive position of the bowl, the bowl is inaccessible so as to avoidcollection of contamination. Thus, the entire apparatus isself-contained within a closed housing for security and cleanliness andrequiring only regular maintenance by qualified trained personnel.

[0025] Further, the soap or other cleaning or rinsing composition ispreferably dispensed automatically so it does not accumulate orsubstantially accumulate as a residue, and the basin is preferablyrinsed and dried after each use so that the bowl is cleaned after eachuse to prevent bacteria from growing therein.

[0026] In some cases, hand drying aids such as towels can be providedfor use in conjunction with the warm air drier.

[0027] The entire washer may be of such a compact unitary design that itcan be installed almost anywhere, not merely in bathrooms. In this way,more frequent washing of the hands is encouraged, and the unit willmaintain a clean, attractive appearance without daily maintenance.

IN THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The various features of novelty which characterize the inventionare pointed out with more particularity in the claims annexed to andforming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of theinvention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by itsuse, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings anddescriptive matter in which there are illustrated and describedpreferred embodiments of the invention in which:

[0029]FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the hand washing machine inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, with the frontremoved so as to show various parts of the interior;

[0030]FIG. 2 is a side elevational view partly in section showing themachine in the hand washing position;

[0031]FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view corresponding to FIG. 2showing the basin portion rotated inwardly for rinsing and disinfection;

[0032]FIG. 4 is an enlarged front elevation of the bowl, rotated to itshand washing position;

[0033]FIG. 5 is a plumbing diagram showing the water inflow and outflowrouting; and,

[0034]FIG. 6 is an electrical block diagram showing the basic controls,and their relation to a foot switch.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0035]FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a hand washer demonstrating the variousfeatures of the invention, and comprising a generally rectangularupright housing 10 having sidewalls 12, 12 and a back wall 14. Acontoured front wall 16 defines a roof 18, and forwardly projectingwashing region 20. A recessed foot region 22 is defined at the lower endof front wall 16.

[0036] Within the front wall 16, on suitable framework, the details ofwhich are omitted for the sake of clarity, there is a hand washing bowlindicated generally as 30. Bowl 30 is reconfigurable between an openconfiguration in which the bowl is configured for a user to wash theirhands and a closed configuration in which bowl 30 may be cleaned afteruse. Preferably, bowl 30 is moveable between an open position in whichthe bowl is positioned for a user to wash their hands and a closedposition in which bowl 30 may be cleaned after use. Alternately, thebowl 30 could be stationary and have a cover which moves to cover oruncover the bowl.

[0037] Bowl 30 may be moved between the open and closed positions by anymeans known in the art. Preferably, bowl 30 is pivotally mounted along agenerally horizontal pivot axis by means of bearings 32. In this way,the bowl or sink 30 can be rotated to open outwardly for washing (FIG.2) and rearwardly into a covered inactive position for rinsing anddisinfecting (FIG. 3) by suitable motor and crank means 33. While thebowl is described as being rotatably mounted, other forms of moveablemounting are possible. Thus, the bowl could simply slide in and out.Preferably, bowl 30 is mounted so that, when it is in the hand washingposition, it is mounted at a suitable height for a user to wash theirhands.

[0038] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that bowl 30may be of any particular shape and that the actual shape of bowl 30 mayvary depending upon whether bowl 30 is movably mounted and, if so, howit moves. For example, if bowl 30 is pivotally mounted, then bowl 30 ispreferably of a generally semi-spherical shape. Thus, when rotatedrearwardly to the closed position (FIG. 3), the underside of 30 a of thebowl presents a smooth generally convex appearance, effectively closingand sealing the interior of the entire apparatus and preventingcontamination by garbage or debris or personal contamination.Alternately, if bowl 30 is slideably mounted so as to slide in and out,then bowl 30 may be cylindrical in cross section.

[0039] Located to one side of the bowl, within the interior enclosed byfront wall 16, is a water outlet indicated generally as 34. Nozzle 34 ispositioned to direct water, preferably at a median temperature suitablefor hand washing, into bowl 30 for wetting of the hand. Water may besupplied to nozzle 34 by a pump (not shown), or simply by using themain's water pressure through a pressure regulator.

[0040] A cleaner, e.g. soap, is supplied for washing. The cleaner may bedispensed by passing the water through a suitable water/cleaner mixingvalve 36 upstream from nozzle 34. Accordingly, valve 36 may be connectedto a supply of cold water via conduit 36 a and connected to a waterheater 37 contained within the apparatus via conduit 36 b, andcontrollable so as to supply a warm water mix at an appropriatetemperature for washing hands. Pursuant to this embodiment, there isprovided a container 38 for storing a cleaner for use when a user washesor rinses their hands. A plurality of such containers may be provided,each of which may contain a different cleaning compound. For example, asshown in FIG. 1, a soap container 38 and a disinfectant liquid materialtank 39 are connected to the nozzle 34. The container or containers maythus supply a soap, disinfectant or the like to the valve 36 for mixingwith the water preferably at an appropriate concentration of cleaner towater.

[0041] In alternate embodiment, if the cold water supply is at asuitable temperature, then hot water heater 37 will not be required.Instead, the cold water supply may be fed directly to mixing valve 36without combining the cold water with any heated water. This approachmay also be used if a hot water supply and a cold water supply are firstconnected to a mixing valve and the mixing valve is then connected tothe inlet water port for housing 10 (not shown).

[0042] Alternately, the cleaner may be dispensed by a dispenser directlyonto the hands of the user without the user using their hands to operatethe dispenser. For example, the dispenser could be actuated by anoptical sensor or by a remote actuator, eg. a foot pedal (not shown).According to this embodiment, the user may place their hands below thedispenser at which time the optical sensor will sense the presence ofthe user's hand thereunder and dispense an aliquot of cleaner or atwhich time the user may actuate the foot pedal. A plurality ofdispensers, each with an associated actuator, may be provided.

[0043] If bowl 30 is rotatably mounted, it preferably has a rearwardlydirected drain spout 40, for discharge of its contents, when it isrotated rearwardly. If bowl 30 is slideably or fixedly mounted, thenspout 40 may be positioned at the lowest point of bowl 30 when bowl 30is in use.

[0044] In order to catch the wash water, residue and any disinfectantfrom bowl 30, bowl 30 may be in turn preferably mounted over a sink 42,which is fixed within the interior of front wall 16, and is connected bya conventional plumbing waste pipe 44 to a sump 46. In this way, whenbowl 30 is rotated rearwardly, it will dump all of its contents throughspout 40 into sink 42 and down the waste pipe 44. It will be appreciatedthat if bowl 30 is not rotatably mounted, it may be directly connectedto waste pipe 44.

[0045] The water mixer, soap container 38 and disinfectant container 39and their pumps 38 a, 39 a may be connected through a suitable timingmechanism (e.g. controller 70) so as to provide a timed operation forwashing, for example, an initially wetting of the hand, followed by asoaping of the hands, followed by a rinsing of the hands in warm rinsewater. At the end of the cycle, the washer may be automaticallyreconfigured to the closed position, such as by bowl 30 rotatingrearwardly. It will be appreciated that alternate washing cycles may bepreprogrammed. The user may select a desired cycle before use by pushinga button or by tripping an optical sensor (not shown). The differentcycles may employ different chemical mixtures and/or may use shorter orlonger periods of washing and/or rinsing. For example, there may be aquick rinse cycle when a full wash is not required. It will also beappreciated that the wash cycle may be manually controlled. For example,by a series of foot pedals or a series of optical sensors.

[0046] After washing, the washing bowl 30 is then preferably cleaned bywater such as cold water which is supplied to the mixing valve 36 by themains, receiving cold water from the conventional cold water supplytogether with a disinfectant, for washing and cleaning the bowl. Hotwater could be used if desired. The washing mixture will drain out ofbowl 30 through spout 40 and into sink 42. The bowl may then be dried byair being drawn from outside.

[0047] In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus is operable withoutthe user's hands contacting the apparatus once the washing cyclecommences. For example, the operation of the washer could be actuated bya user pushing a start button or by a user inserting coins into a coinfed actuator as are know in the vending machine industry (not shown).More preferably, the entire cycle of the machine, including thereconfiguration of bowl 30 and its cover, is actuated without the user'shands touching any of the controls. For example, the entire operation ofbowl 30 and the water and soap dispenser may be initiated by means of anactuator, such as a foot operated pedal 50 (FIG. 2) or an optical sensoror a proximity sensor keyed to a securing card (not shown) so that theuser's hands do not touch any of the controls after the washing cyclecommences.

[0048] In order to dry the user's hands, a hot air dryer nozzle 52 ispreferably provided (FIG. 1). Hot air nozzle 52 may be provided tosupply heated and, preferably, heated and disinfected air. For thispurpose, an air disinfecting chamber 54 may be provided with, forexample, ultraviolet light tube 55. Air may be drawn inwardly throughnozzle 56 then through a suitable filter 57 and heater and fan 58 beforeexiting at the nozzle 52. Preferably, nozzle 56 may also be providedwith filter 57 a to prevent contaminants from entering, or reduce thecontaminants entering, nozzle 56. By providing filter 57 a for nozzle56, the surface of filter 57 a may be positioned so as to be exposed tothe ultraviolet light emanating from ultraviolet light tube 55 thushelping to reduce the contamination of filter 57 a. Nozzle 52 and a fan(not shown) are preferably timed (eg. by controller 70) to supplysufficient hot air for the drying of the hands after rinsing. The dryingcycle may be controlled by an optical sensor as is known in the art. Inthis way, not only are the hands thoroughly cleaned and washed withoutcontact with any part of apparatus, but they are also dried bydisinfected air.

[0049] When bowl 30 rotates rearwardly, it may then be rinsed,disinfected and dried. To this end, the air which is drawn throughnozzle 56 may first be drawn around bowl 30 rendering it dry and cleanfor the next user. If desired, this drying air could also be disinfectedand/or heated. Alternately, air from hot air nozzle 52 may be used todry bowl 30.

[0050] From time to time, it may be desirable for service personnel towash down the entire unit. For this purpose, a flexible hose 60 may beprovided. Flexible hose 60 preferably has a manually operable jet nozzle62 and is connected to the water supply within the apparatus such asthrough a suitable valve 64 designed to be operable only by the servicepersonnel so as to prevent vandalism and abuse.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 1, the device preferably includes a safetyfeature, namely optical sensor 66, which senses the presence of aperson's hands in the vicinity of bowl 30 when it is open. This opticalsensor prevents reverse rotation of bowl 30 so long as the person's handare still in the vicinity of bowl 30, thereby preventing a possibleinjury. It may also include a light to illuminate the hands so that aperson can check for cleanliness.

[0052] It will, of course, be appreciated that there are a large numberof detailed electrical connections and controls and valves and relays.Reference to the plumbing diagram FIG. 5 and block diagram FIG. 6 willclarify the operation of the apparatus, and be a sufficient explanationfor persons skilled in the art to understand the design and constructionof the apparatus.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 6, a main controller 70, which may be operatedby, e.g., foot switch 50, may be connected to a use counter 72, a rinseswitch 74 and a hand wash solenoid 76. It may also be connected to twopumps 78 and 80 and to a bowl operation protection device 66 alreadyreferred to and the ultraviolet light tube 55, and to the dryeroperation 54.

[0054] With the sump reservoir 46, a pump 48 is preferably provided toperiodically empty the sump. The reservoir can also be connected to themain plumbing drainage if desired.

[0055] A status display 82 may be connected to the controller via theprotection circuit 84, so as to provide a visible display of theoperative status of the apparatus.

[0056] The operation of the whole apparatus is self-evident from theforegoing description. In the preferred embodiment of the Figures, inthe storage position, bowl 30 is normally positioned rotated rearwardlyso that the hemispherical underside of the bowl is directed outwardly,thereby rendering the entire apparatus secure, and sealed all around thebowl. A user wishing to use the apparatus will first of all operate thefoot control, and a sequence of operations may then be started asfollows:

[0057] A. Bowl 30 rotates to the open position.

[0058] B. Clean water at the controlled temperature is dispensed overthe hands to wet the hands prior to the washing step.

[0059] C. A cleansing solution of water and soap or other disinfectantor cleaner is then mixed with the water and then dispensed over thehands so that the hands may be washed.

[0060] D. A rinsing solution of water at the controlled temperature isthen dispensed over the hands so that the hand may be rinsed clean.

[0061] E. The hands are then withdrawn from the bowl and bowl 30 rotatesclosed, dumping the washing water into the sink 42, where it flows undergravity to the sump tank. Prior to the withdrawal of the hands from bowl30, the bowl is prevented from closing inadvertently by the safetylight.

[0062] F. A hot-air jet is then directed over the hands, having beenfirst of all passed through the ultraviolet chamber to disinfect theair.

[0063] G. Water and a disinfectant mixture is then sprayed around theinterior of the bowl, while it is closed, to disinfect the interior ofthe bowl. Air is drawn in around the bowl to dry it. This may be the airdrawn in to feed the hot-air jet. In some cases, this air may be firstdisinfected and heated.

[0064] If desired, air, either hot or cold, can be directed around theside areas of the front panel on the side of the bowl, the sink and alsoaround the floor next to the foot pedal to dry any moisture that mayhave escaped.

[0065] The counter 72 will record usage. In a more preferred embodiment,the device may also include a sensor 86 so as to identify the actualuser. Thus counter 72 may identify the actual user, the actual washcycles activated by the user and the time when the user used the washer.Sensor 86 may be any type which is known in the art. For example, sensor86 may be adapted to identify a user by the security badge which theuser might otherwise carry. For example, sensor 86 may be adapted toread a magnetic strip. Thus, in order to be able to activate the unit,the user must first swipe their card through sensor 86 and then proceedas described above. Alternately, sensor 86 may be of the proximitysensor type so that by placing the security badge near sensor 86, itwill identify the user, or it may include a bar code reader to read abar code affixed, for example, to a security badge.

[0066] After an appropriate count of uses, maintenance personnel maythen check the apparatus, clean it and wash it down, and refill thevarious containers.

[0067] The apparatus will be seen to provide both an effectivedisinfected means of cleaning the hands, without the user's handscontacting any contaminants once the washing cycle commences as thecleaning water is operated automatically without manual control, thesoap dispenser is operated automatically without manual control and thebowl itself may be cleansed and disinfected between each usage afterwhich the user's hands may be dried by disinfected hot air. The wholeoperation as far as the user is concerned may be controlled by means ofa foot pedal or the like thereby removing further sources ofcontamination common to conventional hand cleaning facilities.

[0068] The controlling of a washing cycle is designed to meet thevarious codes, such as FDA requirements. The invention preferablycontrols the sequence of event, the timing and duration, temperatures,the solution mixes, the cleaning of the bowl, the drying of the hands,as well as recording the successful completion of this sequence.

[0069] The foregoing is a description of a preferred embodiment of theinvention which is given here by way of example only. The invention isnot the be taken as limited to any of the specific features asdescribed, but comprehends all such variations thereof as come withinthe scope of the appended claims.

I claim:
 1. A hand washing apparatus comprising: (a) a hand washing bowland a cover, the bowl and cover being reconfigurable between a handwashing position and an inactive position in which the bowl is closed bythe cover; (b) a controller for reconfiguring the bowl between the handwashing position and the inactive position; and, (c) a dispenser fordispensing water, a cleaner and rinse water over hands in the bowl. 2.The hand washing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the bowl ismounted at a suitable height for washing hands and is mounted forrotation about a generally horizontal axis between the hand washingposition and the inactive position.
 3. The hand washing apparatus asclaimed in claim 1 wherein the bowl is of a generally hemisphericalshape and when the bowl is in the hand washing position, the bowl isopen upwardly for access by a user and when in the inactive position,the interior of the bowl is inaccessible by a user.
 4. The hand washingapparatus as claimed in claim 1 including an air dryer for generating astream of hot air flowing over the hands of a user, the air dryer beingoperable by the user without touching the apparatus.
 5. The hand washingapparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the air dryer is automaticallyoperable after completion of a washing cycle.
 6. The hand washingapparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the hot air is disinfected priorto flowing over the hands of a user.
 7. The hand washing apparatus asclaimed in claim 1 including a discharger for discharging a disinfectantinto the bowl when the bowl is in its inactive position, for flowingaround the interior of the bowl and rendering the same clean.
 8. Thehand washing apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein an air stream isprovided to dry the bowl after the bowl has been cleaned.
 9. The handwashing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a collectionsink positioned to receive the liquid contents of the bowl when the bowlis in the inactive position.
 10. The hand washing apparatus as claimedin claim 1 further comprising a sensor for recognizing a particular userprior to the activation of a washing cycle.
 11. The hand washingapparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein the apparatus has a controllerthat is preprogrammed with at least two different washing cycles, theuser selects the desired washing cycle, and the apparatus includes arecording media to record the cycle that was selected by the particularuser.
 12. The hand washing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein theapparatus has a controller that is preprogrammed with at least twodifferent washing cycles and the user selects the desired washing cycle.13. A hand washing apparatus comprising: (a) a hand washing bowl mountedat a suitable height for washing hands; (b) a controller for opening thebowl into a hand washing position and closing the bowl into an inactiveposition; (c) a warm water dispenser for dispensing warm water overhands in the bowl; (d) a soap dispenser for dispensing soap over handsin the bowl; and, (e) a rinse water dispenser for dispensing rinse waterover hands in the bowl.
 14. The hand washing apparatus as claimed inclaim 13 wherein the bowl is mounted at a suitable height for washinghands and is mounted for rotation about a generally horizontal axisbetween the hand washing position and the inactive position.
 15. Thehand washing apparatus as claimed in claim 14 including an air dryer forgenerating a stream of hot air flowing over the hands of a user, the airdryer being operable by the user without touching the apparatus.
 16. Thehand washing apparatus as claimed in claim 14 including a discharger fordischarging a disinfectant into the bowl when the bowl is in itsinactive position, for flowing around the interior of the bowl andrendering the same clean.
 17. The hand washing apparatus as claimed inclaim 17 wherein an air stream is provided to dry the bowl after thebowl has been cleaned.
 18. The hand washing apparatus as claimed inclaim 14 further comprising a collection sink positioned to receive theliquid contents of the bowl when the bowl is in the inactive position.19. A hand washing apparatus comprising: (a) a hand washing bowl and acover, the bowl and cover being reconfigurable between a hand washingposition and an inactive position in which the bowl is closed by thecover; (b) a dispenser for dispensing water, a cleaner and rinse waterover hands in the bowl; and, (c) a controller actuated without use ofthe hands of the user for actuating the reconfiguration of the bowl andthe cover between the hand washing position and the inactive position.20. The hand washing apparatus as claimed in claim 19 wherein the bowlis mounted at a suitable height for washing hands and is mounted forrotation about a generally horizontal axis between the hand washingposition and the inactive position.
 21. The hand washing apparatus asclaimed in claim 19 including an air dryer for generating a stream ofhot air flowing over the hands of a user, the air dryer being operableby the user without touching the apparatus.
 22. The hand washingapparatus as claimed in claim 19 including a discharger for discharginga disinfectant into the bowl when the bowl is in its inactive position,for flowing around the interior of the bowl and rendering the sameclean.
 23. The hand washing apparatus as claimed in claim 22 wherein anair stream is provided to dry the bowl after the bowl has been cleaned.24. The hand washing apparatus as claimed in claim 19 further comprisinga sensor for recognizing a particular user prior to the activation of awashing cycle, wherein the recognition of a particular user actuates thecontroller.
 25. The hand washing apparatus as claimed in claim 19further comprising a foot pedal to actuate the controller.
 26. A methodfor a person to wash their hands using a hand washing apparatuscomprising a hand washing bowl and a cover which are reconfigurablebetween a hand washing position and an inactive position, a controllerfor reconfiguring the bowl between the hand washing position and theinactive position; and, a dispenser for dispensing water and a cleanerover the user's hands, the method comprising the steps of: (a) actuatingthe controller to move the bowl and the cover to the hand washingposition; (b) dispensing water and soap over the user's hands; and, (c)dispensing water to rinse the user's hands.
 27. The method as claimed inclaim 26 including dispensing a stream of hot air over the hands of auser
 28. The method as claimed in claim 26 including dispensing adisinfectant into the bowl when the bowl is in its inactive position,for flowing around the interior of the bowl and rendering the sameclean.
 29. The method as claimed in claim 28 including dispensing an airstream to dry the bowl after the bowl has been cleaned.
 30. The methodas claimed in claim 26 wherein the apparatus also has a controller thatis preprogrammed with at least two different washing cycles and themethod includes selecting the desired washing cycle whereupon thevarious fluids are thereafter automatically dispensed.
 31. The method asclaimed in claim 26 wherein the apparatus also has a sensor forrecognizing a particular user and the method further comprises the stepof using a card to identify the user to the apparatus prior to theactivation of a washing cycle.
 32. The method as claimed in claim 31wherein the user presents an identity card to the sensor to activate theapparatus.